Now after the two posts I realize that within the western cultural context that to eat whale after a whale exhibited "humanitarian" qualities might be considered a sacriledge.
Within an indigenous context it's different. You don't chase down an animal and kill it. The animal gives itself to you, after the path has been cleared by ritual and prayer. There's a pride of craft and skill of hunting on both sides. Dignity and respect are crucial--otherwise the process sours. This goes for every act, every interaction.
And given the state of humanness these last few years "humanitarian" might take on a different shade of meaning. Many animals know "how to act". Many humans have forgotten how to act.